Friday Fact – Dew Claws

What are Dew Claws?

Dew claws, also known as a dog’s thumb, refers to a vestigial digit found on the foot of most mammals, reptiles, and birds. It normally grows high on the animal’s leg in digitigrade species (digitigrade refers to an animal that walks on its toes, not touching the ground with its heels, like a dog, cat, or rodent). Dew claws are most commonly known in canines, and these are often removed in puppies. There are some debates, however, on whether the removal of dew claws is necessary. Read more here: http://dogingtonpost.com/all-about-your-dogs-dewclaws/

This video shows how dogs use their dew claws to get themselves safely out of icy waters; whether they are in there intentionally to make a retrieve, or they have accidentally broken thru the ice and are in a dangerous situation. http://youtu.be/r4XflsMEk-k

Too clever for his own good. Thankfully he’s been doing a LOT better with just a collar lately so we only use the gentle leader when we’re going to the vet. He LOVES the vet so he gets a little over excited and tries to run full speed for the door. When we’re leaving he doesn’t wear it, because he’s much calmer.

It is wonderful that he loves the vet. Going to the vet is a stressful experience for some dogs. Max is okay – not thrilled but not too stressed. I always take some chicken with me for the vet to give him and it helps him relax. 🙂

It’s so strange that he loves this vet. He hated the first 2 I took him to. We ended up at this vet by chance. I had just moved to the state and Ranger got the flu. In my panic to find some one that could see him ASAP once he started coughing and couldn’t bark, this vet was the first vet I remembered seeing while driving, and since the first time I took him there Ranger has seemed to feel comfortable with the whole staff. I’ll bring him to this vet for the rest of his life because of how much he loves them.